As a leader, you’ve probably already heard that you should be playing the “long game”.
And as a conscious leader, you probably already know that true success isn’t just about quick wins. It’s about building a foundation that endures—through challenges, changes, and time.
But, what does it take to truly put that into practice and go on that journey?
How can leaders actually play the long game?
These questions and more are at the heart of the latest episode of The Conscious Capitalists podcast, where hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with author, speaker, and expert in personal branding and career reinvention, Dorie Clark.
So, what exactly is the “Long Game” Mindset?
Dorie defines the “long game” as the practice of making decisions today that will benefit your future self. It’s about investing time, energy, and resources into actions that compound over time—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth.
By focusing on small, deliberate actions today that will pay dividends tomorrow, leaders can make decisions that align with their core values and long-term goals. It’s about thinking beyond the next quarter and planning for the next decade.
Here are some strategies that can make the journey easier for you as a conscious leader:
1. Radical Self-Responsibility Is Non-Negotiable
No one will create time or space for you to focus on the long term—it’s a choice you have to make. Conscious leaders take charge of their priorities, ensuring that short-term demands don’t derail their ultimate vision.
2. Saying No Is a Superpower
Success often depends on what you choose not to do. Every “yes” to a task or project must align with long-term goals, and anything that doesn’t fit must be filtered out. This intentional decision-making is key to staying on track.
3. Long-Term Thinking Fuels Conscious Leadership
The best leaders understand that their actions today shape their legacy tomorrow. From nurturing culture and developing leaders to engaging stakeholders, the long game ensures sustainable success—not just short-lived wins.
4. Purpose and Patience Are Essential for Career Growth
For individuals, the long game is about aligning personal values with professional goals and taking incremental steps toward meaningful achievements. Resilience, patience, and clarity of purpose are what separate those who thrive from those who merely survive.
Remember, short-term results don’t define success—lasting impact does. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or charting your career path, the principles of the long game offer a powerful framework for achieving sustainable growth and fulfillment.
If you want to dive deeper and learn more about how to embrace long-term thinking in your life and work, check out the latest episode of The Conscious Capitalists podcast with Dorie Clark here ->